Today marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, when the Earth's tilt toward the sun reaches its maximum angle, providing the maximum hours of daylight for the Northern Hemisphere. To celebrate, here is a summery-themed quiz for you.
Music and Entertainment
Which iconic American singer-songwriter, often called the "Queen of Disco", had massive hits with "I Feel Love" and "Hot Stuff"? Born on June 21st, 1944, singer-songwriter Ray Davies was the frontman and chief songwriter of which iconic 1960s "British Invasion" rock band, famous for the hits "You Really Got Me" and "Waterloo Sunset"? Complete the title of the famous 1969 Beatles song written by George Harrison: "Here Comes the..." what? The song "Summer Nights" is featured in which 1978 film? "In The Summertime" was released by which band in 1970?
Science and Astronomy
If you are standing at the Equator during the June Solstice, is the sun directly overhead, tilted to the North, or tilted to the South? What is the astronomical term for the point in Earth's orbit when it is furthest from the sun, which actually happens in early July? The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year. How many hours of daylight does London roughly get on this day? (To the nearest hour).
History and Technology
The Small-Scale Experimental Machine was the first electronic stored-program computer. Built at the Victoria University of Manchester on June 21st, 1948, what other name was it referred to as? On June 21st, 1970, which country defeated Italy 4-1 in the World Cup Final, a match widely regarded as one of the greatest in football history? On June 21st, 1970, which legendary British naturalist and broadcaster departed on a historic, three-year voyage aboard the RRS John Biscoe to film the pioneering nature documentary series "Life in the Antarctic"? On June 21st, 1937, the BBC televised coverage of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships for the very first time. In which London borough is Wimbledon located? On June 21st, 1937, a world-famous medical journal published a pioneering paper by Dr. Philip Hench on the beneficial effects of using cortisone to treat arthritis. What is the name of this prestigious British weekly medical journal, founded in 1823?
Royalty and Culture
Which current day Royal was born on June 21st, 1982? Thousands of people gather at Stonehenge for the summer solstice to watch the sun rise behind which specific, outer standing stone? In William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", what is the name of the mischievous fairy/sprite who serves King Oberon? Stonehenge is located on Salisbury Plain. In which English county would you find it? Pagan traditions associate the summer solstice with the battle between two mythical kings who rule different halves of the year. One is the Oak King (representing light and summer). Who is the other, who represents darkness and winter?
Food and Drink
What traditional British summer drink, typically mixed with lemonade and garnished with mint, cucumber, and fruit, was invented by a farmer's son in London in the 1820s? Which British vegetable has a traditional UK harvesting season that ends on the Summer Solstice (June 21st) to allow the plant to store energy for the following year?
Answers for June 20 Quiz
General knowledge: 1. Which British airport offers direct flights to the most destinations around the world, a total of 192 in 58 different countries? (Manchester) 2. What was used by police in London for the first time in May 1983? (Wheel clamps) 3. Which creatures transmit Lyme disease? (Ticks) 4. Which country has the shortest alphabet in Europe? (Italy, 21 letters) 5. How many degrees longitude represents 1 hour in time? (15°) 6. As of 2024, which are the only two continents never to hold the Summer Olympic Games? (Africa and Antarctica) 7. By what relationship would your father's mother's sister's granddaughter be better known? (Second cousin) 8. Approximately what is the average speed of a London Underground train? (20.5 mph) 9. In which country did tarot cards originate? (Italy, specifically Milan and Bologna) 10. To which gas does the term Azotic refer? (Nitrogen)
Geography: 1. In which district of New York will you find Coney Island? (Brooklyn) 2. The suburb of Portobello Beach can be found in which UK city? (Edinburgh) 3. Which European city sits on the River Moldau? (Prague) 4. Which European country is known as Suomi in its native language? (Finland) 5. At what parallel was the border between the USA and Canada set on 20 October 1818? (49th parallel) 6. Which canal connects the Baltic and North Seas? (Kiel Canal) 7. In which American city could you ride the railway system called "The L"? (Chicago) 8. Which European capital city does the River Spree flow through? (Berlin) 9. In 1917, Finland gained independence from which country? (Russia) 10. How many countries make up the North American continent? (23)
Have you seen our other regular features on InYourArea: Get outside with InYourGarden, Get saving with InYourPocket, See the future with your weekly horoscope.
